This Chicken Soba Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, tasty soba noodles, and colorful veggies, it’s both comforting and healthy. Yum!
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just throw everything in the pot, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious meal that makes you feel all cozy inside. Perfect for chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Using low sodium broth keeps the soup flavorful without being overly salty. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version or if you’re making it vegetarian.
Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles add a unique flavor and are great for this soup. If you can’t find soba noodles, whole wheat or rice noodles are good alternatives.
Bok Choy: Baby bok choy adds a lovely crunch and mild flavor. If it’s unavailable, spinach or other leafy greens like kale can work well too. Just cook them until wilted.
Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms give a deep, earthy taste. If you can’t find them, substitute with button mushrooms or even frozen mixed mushrooms in a pinch.
Soft-Boiled Eggs: These are optional but add richness to the dish. You can use regular hard-boiled eggs, or if you’re vegan, you could leave out the eggs altogether or use tofu instead.
How Do You Poach Chicken for Perfectly Tender Meat?
Poaching is a gentle way to cook chicken and keep it moist. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a pot of simmering chicken broth; don’t let it boil hard.
- Gently add your seasoned chicken breasts and cover the pot.
- Let them simmer for about 15 minutes, checking for doneness at around 12 minutes.
- When done, remove the chicken and let it cool before shredding.
This method keeps the chicken juicy and perfect for mixing into your soup!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Soba Noodles?
Cooking soba noodles can be tricky since they can get mushy quickly. Here’s a quick guide:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the noodles.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, checking for doneness (they should be firm but not hard).
- Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
This technique helps keep the noodles from sticking together and ensures they maintain their texture in your soup!
Enjoy crafting this nourishing Chicken Soba Noodle Soup! It’s straightforward and fills you with warmth and flavor.
Chicken Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup shiitake or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 4 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Soba Noodle Soup will take about 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together to combine the flavors as the broth warms up.
2. Poach the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken breasts into the simmering broth. Let them poach gently, covered, until they are cooked through, which should take about 15 minutes. The chicken should be tender and juicy!
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the breasts and place them on a plate to cool slightly. When they are cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the sliced mushrooms, julienned carrots, and halved bok choy to the broth. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
5. Cook the Soba Noodles:
While the vegetables are cooking, bring another pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 5 minutes). Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking.
6. Assemble the Soup:
To serve, divide the soba noodles evenly among serving bowls. Add the shredded chicken back into the warm broth and stir it gently to heat through. Ladle the broth, vegetables, and chicken over the noodles in each bowl.
7. Add Toppings:
Top each bowl with a halved soft-boiled egg and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken soba noodle soup hot with chopsticks or a spoon and enjoy this comforting and nourishing meal!
Soft-Boiled Egg Tip:
To make perfect soft-boiled eggs, gently boil them for 6-7 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice water bath to stop cooking, then peel carefully. The yolk should be slightly runny, making it a delicious addition to your soup!
This soup perfectly balances the savory flavors of the chicken broth, nutty soba noodles, fresh vegetables, and creamy egg for a nourishing and satisfying meal. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly more tender meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly; thighs usually need about 20-25 minutes to cook through.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Simply substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies for more texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some broth, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore the consistency.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even corn. Just make sure to adjust the simmering time to ensure everything is tender but still vibrant!